City Announces New Chief Financial Officer

New Bedford, MA – The City of New Bedford will soon have a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with former City Auditor Robert Ekstrom slated to assume the position in October.  The CFO position has been filled on a temporary basis since 2021 by Michael Gagne, who left retirement to […]

City Enforcement Actions Against Rooming Houses Getting Results

New Bedford, MA – In the wake of a fatal March 2023 rooming house fire on Acushnet Avenue, Mayor Jon Mitchell directed the New Bedford Fire Department to launch an aggressive enforcement program to bring the City’s remaining 19 un-sprinklered rooming house operators into compliance with a state law mandating […]

City and Police Union Reach Contract Agreement

Body-Worn Cameras, More Competitive Salaries New Bedford, MA – After months of negotiation, the City and the New Bedford Police Union have entered a new collective bargaining agreement, which will increase police wages and benefits to address the Police Department’s staffing shortages.  The agreement also paves the way for the […]

New Bedford Independence Day fireworks postponed until Wednesday, July 5 at 9:00p.m.

New Bedford, Massachusetts – New Bedford’s Independence Day fireworks over New Bedford Harbor have been postponed and are now planned for Wednesday, July 5 at 9:00p.m., due to tonight’s forecast of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and fog. The fireworks are made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Claremont Companies, Lafrance […]

City Enters New Refuse Contract with Capitol Waste Services

Residents will not see a disruption in service New Bedford, MA – The City of New Bedford has entered a new contract for curbside refuse collection and disposal with Capitol Waste Services, Inc., a privately owned company headquartered in Boston. Service will begin on Monday, July 3rd. Capitol replaces E. […]

City Celebrates Unveiling of Fredrick Douglass Statue and Opening of Abolition Row Park

New Bedford, Massachusetts – On Friday, June 23rd, Mayor Jon Mitchell, along with elected officials and the New Bedford Historical Society held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Abolition Row Parl. The ceremony featured the unveiling of the much-anticipated statue of Frederick Douglass. Located on Seventh Street, the park has been over […]

Mayor Mitchell, Board of Health Appoint Stephanie Sloan as Health Department Director

Nine-year City employee with broad public health experience takes helm following leadership role in COVID-19 response New Bedford, Massachusetts – Mayor Mitchell announced today that Stephanie Sloan, MPH, has been appointed director of the New Bedford Health Department. The New Bedford Board of Health formally appointed Sloan to the role […]

Mayor Mitchell Announces July 4th Fireworks Show

New Bedford, Massachusetts – The City of New Bedford’s Independence Day fireworks display will be staged from a barge located off the State Pier in New Bedford Harbor, beginning at 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4th. Lower Union Street (between N. Water St. and Route 18) will be closed to […]

City Offices and Facilities Closed Monday, June 19 as New Bedford Observes Juneteenth

New Bedford, Massachusetts – City offices will be closed to the public on Monday, June 19th, as New Bedford observes the Juneteenth holiday. This includes public libraries. Buttonwood Park Zoo will remain open. The City of New Bedford was gifted an Official Juneteenth Flag by Human Rights Commissioner Sidney A. […]

City Moves to Modernize Purchasing Process

Joins the Massachusetts Purchasing Group BidNet Direct New Bedford, Massachusetts – The City of New Bedford has joined the Massachusetts Purchasing Group BidNet Direct and will be publishing and distributing solicitations on BidNet Direct’s online platform. The City joined the purchasing group in March and will utilize the system to […]